1.Lifespan - The first thing to realize with respect to a computer is its expected lifespan. People generally replace a computer every four to six years dependent on a variety of factors. These can include: forced upgrades, software obsolescence, new technology, different needs and requirements, and other issues. The important thing to realize is that like everything a computer has a specific lifespan.

2.What Do You Want to Use It For? Different people have different needs when it comes to the computer. Some people only want to use it for email and word processing. If that is the case, a very basic computer will do the job for you. Some people want to use it for some very processor intensive applications such as gaming or complex mathematical or graphic intensive requirements. Different applications require different components and types of components in a computer. Understand its intended use generally and you will be able to find a computer better suited to your needs.

3.Personal Preference Some people are find with an out of the box, beige stock item computer that they might by at a major "big box store" retailer. Other people want to chose the colour and have a say in how it looks. Take this into account when purchasing a computer, especially a "family" computer. This may not seem like a big deal, but it can become one in a hurry. Companies like "Alienware" provide a more customizable computer as far as appearance is concerned.

4.Hard Drive capacity The size of a hard drive is very important. A hard drive can get filled up in a hurry, especially with such media rich content available on the Internet. Also, as technology improves, drive costs have come down substantially. Therefore start with a large hard drive.

5.RAM One of the single most important factors that help determine a computer's performance is the amount of RAM (Random Access Memory) it has. Two gigabytes is considered the minimum for good performance. Current Windows based operating systems (XP or Vista) recognize up to four gigabytes. Future generations of computers and their operating systems will recognize more.

6.Sound Card If you are using applications where sound is important, don't rely on the onboard sound card. Purchase a separate sound card and have it installed in one of your computer's expansion slots. The easiest way is at time of purchase.

7.Video or Graphics Card If you came or do any kind of picture of video editing a good video card is very important. Expect to pay approximately $150 on the low end and from $500 to $700 on the higher end for a video card.

8.Consider Future Needs at Time of Purchase Think about possible future need at the time of your purchase and plan for them now. For example, if you are buying a laptop and wireless connectivity is important to you, make sure it has a slot for a wireless card or wireless options built in.

9.Consider Future Service Warrantee and Support It is inevitable that at some point something will go wrong with your computer, Take warrantee and service into account. Sometimes buying a computer from a smaller location is best because they often service on site at their store. On site service is better than the hassle of having to send something away and waiting weeks and months for your computer to be returned to you.

10.Consider special offers and package deals with Caution Sometimes special offers and package deals sound like a good thing, but if you don't need everything in the package, you may not use it and it may just sit around taking up space. Consider the individual costs of the items and accessories in question and use to determine if a special offer or package deal actually is a good deal.

There are other things to consider when purchasing a computer, but these are the main and significant ones. Other things of this nature will be discussed in future articles, so look for more in future articles.